OEIRAS, Portugal — Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has captured the spotlight once again, advancing to the Round of 16 at the 2025 Oeiras Ladies Open after a gritty 6-3, 6-4 victory over Dutch player Anouk Koevermans. The match, which took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, was marred by rain delays but showcased Eala's resilience and skill on the court.
Seeded No. 1 in the WTA125 tournament and ranked world No. 72, Eala faced a formidable challenge against Koevermans, who entered the match ranked No. 182. The match began on Monday evening, but torrential rain forced a suspension after Eala led 3-2 in the second set. Following a 20-minute interruption, the match was further delayed for 24 hours due to persistent inclement weather.
When play resumed, Eala found herself trailing 2-4 in the second set. However, the 19-year-old star showed remarkable composure, winning the next four games to seal the match in straight sets. “The weather definitely presented some challenges,” Eala said after her victory. “I’m happy how I came back out on the court.”
This win comes on the heels of a career-defining run at the Miami Open, where Eala reached the semifinals and stunned three former Grand Slam champions, including world No. 1 and four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek. Eala's performance in Miami was a significant boost to her career, propelling her to a career-high WTA ranking and solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.
“I’ve done everything that I can do to prepare for the surface,” Eala stated, reflecting on her transition to clay, a surface known for its slower pace and high bounce. She is using the Oeiras tournament as a tune-up for her anticipated debut in the main draw of the French Open, set to begin later this May in Paris.
Eala, a former US Open girls’ champion and a scholar at the Rafael Nadal Academy, has been steadily climbing the ranks since her transition from junior tennis in 2022. Her recent performances have not only garnered attention but also praise from fans and experts alike.
Despite competing far from home, Eala expressed her gratitude for the local Filipino supporters in Portugal, who have been a source of encouragement during her matches. “There are Filipinos everywhere in the world, so I’m happy,” she said with a smile.
Looking ahead, Eala is set to face the winner of the match between former world No. 76 Hungarian veteran Panna Udvardy and a qualifier in the next round. Additionally, she will partner with American Katie Volynets in the doubles event. The duo, who are unseeded, will compete against the fourth-seeded team of Carmen Corley and Christina Rosca from the United States on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
As Eala continues her quest for a second WTA125 title, she is also building vital momentum heading into Roland Garros. With each match, the young tennis star is proving that she is not only a force on the court but also a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes back home in the Philippines.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Eala as she looks to solidify her place among the elite in women’s tennis. With her determination and skill, there’s no telling how far she can go this season.
